August 31, (THEWILL) — African Ministers of Sports have pledged support for Nigeria’s bid to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games and the 2031 African Games.
The endorsement came during a virtual consultative meeting of African Sports Ministers under the African Union Commission, held on August 29, 2025.
Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Mallam Shehu Dikko, informed the Council of Nigeria’s formal bid to host the centenary edition of the Commonwealth Games in Abuja.
Dikko, who also serves as President-in-Office and Chairman of the Council of Sports Ministers of AUSC Region 2 (West Africa), urged African member states of the Commonwealth to regard Nigeria’s quest as a continental bid.
He further disclosed that discussions are ongoing with the African Union Sports Council on Nigeria’s interest in staging the 2031 African Games.
He also expressed appreciation to the Council for granting Nigeria the hosting rights of the 2027 African Youth Games, assuring that the country is fully committed to delivering a successful event.
Chairperson of the meeting, Malawi’s Minister of Youth and Sports, Uchizi Mkandawire, commended Nigeria’s presentation and assured the backing of African States.
He stressed that Nigeria can count on the solidarity of Commonwealth members and the wider continent in its bids for the 2030 and 2031 events.
The meeting also received a briefing from AU Commissioner for Health, Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development, Ambassador Amma A.
Twum-Amoah, on the organization of the African Games and preparations for the 5th Session of the Specialized Technical Committee on Youth, Culture, and Sports (STC-YCS5), scheduled for October 2025 in Algiers, Algeria.
Egypt’s Minister of Youth and Sports, Hon. Ashraf Sobhy, gave an update on preparations for the 14th African Games, which Egypt will host in 2027.
The Council endorsed Egypt’s hosting rights and reaffirmed its commitment to strengthen sports development across the continent.
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